There’s palpable tension in Ilaje community in Ondo State as the residents protested over alleged “brutal torture and attempted killing” of a civilian staff member of the Nigerian Navy, Mr. Edema Omogbemi, by the naval personnel at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda.

Protesting on Tuesday, the residents alleged that on Monday, November 19, 2025, at Igbokoda, one Mr. Omogbemi, who has served the Nigerian Navy for years, was accused of stealing an officer’s money.

Omogbemi was said to have submitted himself for search to prove his innocence, but he was allegedly chained and beaten by naval officers at the base till he passed out.

Spokesperson for Ilaje Omuro Community Connect, Babatunde Omobone explained that “He (Omogbemi) was tortured to the point of death, beaten into a coma after being falsely accused.

“Instead of conducting a proper inquiry, they brutalised him.”

They also alleged that the naval officers attempted to conceal the incident by relocating the victim from the hospital where he was receiving treatment to an undisclosed location.

Omobone said: “The move to remove his body from the hospital without accountability points to a bigger attempt to silence the truth.

“Mr. Omogbemi is currently receiving intensive care at the Trauma Centre, Ondo, and is scheduled to be transferred to Akure for further brain scans and medical evaluation.”

The people alleged that it’s becoming a growing pattern of military intimidation and rights violations in the riverine area.

The reeled out previous similar incidents of intimidation and human rights violations by allegedly by the military in different Ilaje communities including Obe Nla, Obe Adun, and Obe Jedo.

They, therefore, warned that the people of Ilaje may not have other choice than to resort to self-defence if the brutality did not stop.

“Security forces are deployed to protect Nigerians from terrorists and bandits. It is unacceptable that they instead turn their weapons against defenceless civilians.

“We will not be intimidated or silenced. If justice is not done, we will be forced to defend our people and our dignity,” the group cautioned.

However, the people called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Nigerian Navy’s high command, and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene and investigation into the incident.

They demanded immediate and transparent investigation into the alleged torture and prosecution of all naval personnel involved in the alleged brutality .

They called for review of the Nigerian Navy’s operational protocols to prevent future abuses and compensation for Mr. Omogbemi and his family.

The group’s spokesperson said: “The Nigerian Navy must be held accountable. This is about justice, not just for Mr. Omogbemi, but for every victim of security forces’ excesses.”

Moreover, the people appealed to Nigerians and human rights organisations to come to their aid, saying “An irreversible confrontation is looming if justice is denied. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this act and support our pursuit of justice.”

Nevertheless, efforts to get the reaction of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, on the allegation proved abortive. (Daily Independent)

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